Also known as room dividers, folding screens are versatile and stylish pieces of furniture that have been used for centuries across various cultures. Some historians date their origin back to the Han Dynasty in China, while others suggest that Persians and Romans used similar elements. The Romans, in particular, were known for curtains and temporary walls for privacy and space management. In wealthy households, ornate textiles on wooden structures or embroidered draperies created intimate areas within larger rooms, serving a similar purpose to folding screens.
Many ancient designs originated in Asia—including Japan and Korea—and were often made of wood and adorned with intricate paintings of landscapes, birds, and flowers, reflecting artistry and cultural values. In Europe, folding screens and textiles gained popularity during the 17th and 18th centuries, often decorated with tapestries and used in grand homes as statement pieces. Collectors and aesthetes commissioned lacquered screens and luxurious fabrics embellished with exotic motifs inspired by Asian art. A rare example is an ensemble of 19th-century lacquer panels commissioned by a Venetian noble, now restored and on view at Féau Boiseries in Paris.
Today, interest in these beautifully crafted elements extends beyond folding screens to include decorative panels and window décor. At Invisible Collection, we present embroidered curtains by Lesage Intérieurs and fabric or metal panels by Studio MTX, both famed specialty creators from le 19M, (Chanel’s hub for savoir-faire), alongside bespoke curtains by Jouffre, one of the world’s most renowned upholsterers. These creations show how ancient savoir-faire continues to enrich contemporary lifestyles, offering privacy, softness, and rhythm to interiors while expressing culture and artistry.
Our curated selection of folding screens also features celebrated designers, including AD100 honorees, crafted by the best artisans in France and Europe. Highlights include one-of-a-kind works by Garcé & Dimofski in collaboration with New York artist Joe Baker, with bold hand-painted color splashes, as well as their design inspired by the Swedish Grace movement in solid wood with plaster bas-reliefs. French designer Marion Stora, working with artist-designer Pierre Bonnefille, has explored folding screens as sculptural surfaces, featuring Bonnefille’s textured mineral pigments.
Enjoy exploring the unique folding screens, decorative panels, and curtains available on Invisible Collection: timeless creations that connect heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary living.
